Progesterone is a natural hormone in women that helps to regulate monthly cycles of menstruation and ovulation. Progestin-only contraceptive pills may be helpful to women with medical conditions that may be worsened by estrogen, for example, endometriosis. Premenopausal woman, who no longer have menstrual periods because of low levels of progesterone, sometimes take a synthetic form of progesterone as recommended by their doctors. Dosages can range from 12.5 milligrams to 400 mg. As with all medications, there can be side effects of taking progesterone.
Pain and Tenderness
During clinical trials, 31 percent of women taking progesterone experienced headaches and 15 percent reported feeling dizzy, according to RxList.com. Other types of pain or sensitivity experienced by these women included breast tenderness (27 percent), fluid retention as well as joint and muscle pain (20 percent). If you are taking this hormone supplement, you also may feel more tired or fatigued than usual, according to the Women's Health Resource website. Therefore, if you are on progesterone, you can anticipate some form of mild discomfort initially until your body gets used to the hormonal supplementation.
Stomach Distress
Side effects involving the gastrointestinal system may present at the beginning of progesterone therapy. For example, you may experience nausea with or without vomiting, a very dry mouth, and heartburn as well as bloating, according to Drugs.com. Mild abdominal pain or cramping may occur along with mild diarrhea. In order to reduce such upset stomach effects, try taking progesterone with a small snack or meal. If stomach side effects persist, however, contact your doctor.
Mood Changes
Women with depression tend to have lower levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Substances that inhibit the absorption of serotonin, such as estrogen, allow for higher serotonin levels and elevated mood. By contrast, progesterone has the opposite effect and is associated with depression, as stated by the Women's Health Resource website. Combined doses of estrogen and progesterone as contained in birth control pills do not automatically result in depressed mood because the hormones neutralize each other's effects. Therefore, if you have a history of depression or are highly sensitive to these hormones, this should be discussed with your physician so that adjustments can be made regarding dosages.
Excessive Hair or Acne
Atypical hair growth or acne may develop as negative side effects of this type of hormone therapy, as stated by Drugs.com You may notice increased hair growth on your abdomen, chest or face, which may be uncomfortable for you. While these side effects may be bothersome and embarrassing, they are viewed as mild side effects. If unusual hair growth or acne persists or becomes worrisome, speak to your physician about these side effects.
